The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Esports: How to Get Started in 2025
Esports has grown from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon, with millions of players and fans tuning in every day to watch their favourite teams compete in intense tournaments, live streams, and high-stakes events. What was once seen as casual gaming has transformed into a legitimate, fast-paced industry filled with professional players, huge prize pools, and passionate communities.
If you’ve ever found yourself watching a match and thinking, “I’d love to be a part of this,” you’re not alone, and the good news is, getting started in esports is more accessible than you might think. Whether you dream of going pro one day or simply want to sharpen your skills and enjoy the excitement of competitive gaming, you’re in the right place.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the world of eSports: what it is, how to choose the right game for you, where to practice and improve, and how to start competing in your chosen scene. No jargon, no gatekeeping, just clear, practical advice to help you take your first steps into the world of competitive gaming.
Choosing Your Game
The eSports scene is diverse, with a wide variety of genres and titles. Some popular choices for beginners in 2025 include:
- MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas): League of Legends remains a top choice due to its accessibility and strategic gameplay. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a great option for mobile gamers.
- FPS (First-Person Shooters): Counter-Strike 2 is a classic with a large competitive scene. Valorant is a rising star with a unique mix of gunplay and abilities. Overwatch 2 offers team-based action with diverse characters.
- Battle Royales: Fortnite continues to be a global phenomenon with its ever-changing maps and building mechanics. PUBG: Battlegrounds offers a more realistic and intense battle royale experience. Apex Legends is set in the Titanfall universe and features nimble mercenaries with unique abilities.
- Fighting Games: Street Fighter 6 is a modern masterpiece with a thriving competitive scene.
- Sports Games: EA SPORTS FC (formerly FIFA) is a popular choice for soccer fans.
- Other Genres: Rocket League combines soccer and vehicular mayhem. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void is a challenging real-time strategy game.
Consider your personal preferences, skill set, and the level of competition when making your choice.
Gear Up: Headware & Gear
When it comes to competitive gaming, skill matters, but so does having the right gear. The difference between a crisp headshot and a missed opportunity often comes down to the quality of your equipment. In this section, we cover the best esports headsets, gaming mice, keyboards, and accessories available right now in the UK. If you want to learn more about the eSports setup follow the link.
Whether you’re grinding ranked matches, entering your first tournament, or building a setup that wouldn’t look out of place at a pro LAN event, here’s what’s making waves in the UK esports scene in 2025:
🎧 Best Esports Headsets (UK Picks)
-
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless — A premium wireless headset with incredible sound clarity and dual wireless systems for zero dropouts.
View Now -
HyperX Cloud III — The latest in HyperX’s legendary headset line, known for comfort, durability, and superb positional audio.
View Now -
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023 Edition) — Lightweight, wireless, with excellent mic quality and tournament-grade performance.
View Now
🖱️ Top Gaming Mice for Esports
-
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 — One of the most popular choices for pro FPS players, with flawless wireless performance and ultra-light design.
View Now -
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro — An ergonomic favourite, this mouse balances top-tier specs with a classic, comfortable shape.
View Now -
Glorious Model O 2 Wireless — Ultra-lightweight and highly responsive, perfect for fast-paced games like Valorant and CS2.
View Now
⌨️ Best Gaming Keyboards (UK Layout)
-
Wooting 60HE — The keyboard of choice for many esports pros, known for its analogue switches and incredibly fast input.
View Now -
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023 Edition) — A tournament-grade keyboard with adjustable actuation keys, perfect for both FPS and MOBA players.
View Now -
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL — Features optical switches and rapid trigger functionality, ideal for competitive titles where every millisecond counts.
View Now
Training Platforms
Several platforms can help you hone your esports skills:
- Valor Esports: Offers structured training curriculums for schools and individuals, focusing on teamwork, critical thinking, and skill development.
- CrustLab: Provides insights into the top esports companies and the industry as a whole.
Finding a Team
- FACEIT: Climb the FACEIT rankings to get noticed by scouts.
- Seek Team: A recruitment network for gamers to connect with teams.
- Social Media: Build your online presence and network with other players.
- LFT Posts: Create "Looking For Team" posts on relevant forums and social media channels.
Community and Forums
Engage with the esports community through forums and online platforms:
- Participate in discussions about games, strategies, and the esports scene in general.
- Connect with other players and teams.
- Stay updated on the latest news and events.
Streaming Your Gameplay
Share your skills and connect with fans by streaming your games on platforms like:
- Twitch: The leading live-streaming platform for gaming.
- YouTube Gaming: Offers better discoverability within the YouTube ecosystem.
- Kick: A newer platform with a focus on better revenue splits for streamers.
- Trovo: Another platform focused on gaming content.
- TikTok Live: For short, engaging live content.
Esports Scholarships and Grants
If you're a student looking to pursue esports, explore scholarship opportunities:
- Many universities and colleges offer esports scholarships, ranging from $500 to $8,000 per year.
- Commonly supported games include League of Legends, VALORANT, Overwatch 2, and Rocket League.
- Websites like Bold.org and Scholarships360.org list various esports scholarships and grants.
This guide provides a starting point for your esports journey. Remember to practice consistently, stay dedicated, and engage with the community to achieve your goals. Good luck, and have fun!